Joining the Dots by Hanover Communications

For episode 3 of White Swan: The Crisis Podcast, we’re joined by Ian Walker, Executive Editor, MailOnline. Ian talks about his early days in journalism and how a quest to be the first to publish the results of the local darts league helped shape his approach to journalism as a young reporter. He talks to us about how businesses can get it wrong when responding to press enquiries, and how building a relationship of mutual trust is a vital tool in helping to get the right messaging out there when a crisis hits. It’s a fascinating chat about how honesty and proactivity can help tap into the power of the press, and how a civilised glass of Sauvignon Blanc really is the best way to take yourself out of it all at the end of a busy day. Please like and subscribe to ensure you get The White Swan in your podcast feed every week.

In episode 2 of White Swan: The Crisis Podcast, we’re joined by Emma Tottenham, Group Director of Corporate Communications and Sustainability of Virgin Money.   Emma talks about her own journey to the top table at Virgin Money, how she and her team work to spot the trends that might ladder up to eventually become a crisis, and how in her view it is absolutely vital for businesses to get their purpose, values and sustainability agenda in check to help prevent crises arriving.   It’s a fascinating chat about how prevention really is better than any cure, via some life-affirming and calming crisis mantras, and huge shout outs to tea, Mini Cheddars and the value of taking half an hour out to watch Friends.

This week we’re joined by former Chief Operating Officer of Virgin Atlantic, Phil Maher. Phil talks us through his crisis approach, and explains his “three c’s” of crisis management. We’ll hear in depth about how a trip to the ice skating rink with his son was interrupted to deal with an emergency landing at Gatwick – and how Phil and his team managed the communications around a story that led news coverage for hours in the run-up to Christmas. You can see the videos of the VS43 emergency landing here: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ZqDP-FMgTy8 (from the runway) https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=R87xvvUQ6VE (from inside the plane.)

Mark Neale started out as a strategy consultant after graduating with physics degree, but quickly tapped into his entrepreneurial side, setting up a string of rollerblade stores and an educational toy retailer before founding Mountain Warehouse in 1997. Hanover Senior Adviser Guto Harri catches up with him on what it takes to start a business, the people culture at Mountain Warehouse, and how entrepreneurs can negotiate a ‘conveyor belt’ career.

“When challenged or faced with an extremely difficult decision, one that could possibly be unpopular, or could possibly focus the media on the organisation, that you had to be sure it was the right decision. You had to be sure that you yourself could go to go to bed at night and be comfortable with the decision that you made. And that's the first part of a difficult equation.” Jane Allen made to move to British Gymnastics nearly ten years ago, from a similar (but smaller) organisation in Australia. She chats with Nick Meakin about leading a large organisation through changing (and occasionally challenging) times, the importance of communication, and the opportunities for young women in senior leadership roles today – while also offering invaluable advice for anyone looking to make a cross-continental career move.

How often do you ‘shape the weather’? Roland Sinker, CEO of Cambridge University Hospitals NHS Foundation Trust, shares his thoughts on the importance of setting the tone, whether you’re building a corporate narrative, fostering a collaborative environment for your people or managing reputation. He is interviewed by Guto Harri from Hanover Communications. All opinions in this series are the participants' own, and do not represent those of Hanover Communications.

Food delivery disruptor Just Eat went from making just £36 in its first month to a valuation of £5.5 billion at its IPO. David Buttress, the company’s Co-founder and former CEO, shares his inspiring story of entrepreneurship and growing a business. “If you can engineer within yourself a desire way beyond what's rational in terms of wanting to succeed, you probably have a fair chance of doing something that is a little bit out of the ordinary. And I think everyone has it in them. It's just whether you can find that internal fire and desire to really push yourself beyond what’s normal. And that's what entrepreneurs do.” All opinions in this series are the participants' own, and do not represent those of Hanover Communications.

What does it take to be a leader in these uncertain times, when actions are publicly scrutinised? Interviewed by Guto Harri in this episode packed with insight, Tracey Groves, Founder and CEO of Intelligent Ethics, explores topics ranging from how to lead with purpose, build a sustainable culture and instil trust , to the importance of gender parity and diversity of thought. All opinions in this series are the participants' own, and do not represent those of Hanover Communications.

“It’s a bit like Bob Dylan says: in the end, everybody has to serve somebody.” Even the most senior chief executive has bosses, whether they’re shareholders or the public. Tom Mockridge, CEO of Virgin Media, recounts his experience in reshaping the narrative for some of the biggest brands and shares his thoughts on leading with purpose. Find out more, including what he think is the most important thing about leadership. Tom is interviewed by Guto Harri from Hanover Communications. All opinions in this series are the participants' own, and do not represent those of Hanover Communications.